Vuitton develops bespoke trunks for Olympic medals and torches

Louis Vuitton has developed a series of bespoke trunks in which to carry and protect the medals and torches of this summer’s upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
 

The Vuitton Medals Trunks “are a key part of the Maison’s mission for Paris 2024 and a continuation of its history of creating handmade trunks,” the Paris-based luxury brand said in a release.
 
The trunks will be associated with key Paris 2024 moments of celebration, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Torches Relays. The Torches Trunks and the Medals Trunks will be notably presented at the Champions Park.

The medals have been designed by Chaumet, the noted Paris jeweler that is another prestige mark within LVMH, the luxury conglomerate whose largest brand is Vuitton.
 
“Following the unveiling of the Olympic and Paralympic medals designed by the Maison Chaumet, LVMH is once again fully expressing its role as premium partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, and “Artisan of all Victories,” this time with Louis Vuitton. Protecting the symbol of Paris 2024 – the torches – and the dreams of the greatest athletes – the medals – required the expertise of exceptional craftsmen… It is a great source of pride today to unveil these original creations, which I’m sure will remain engraved in the history of the Group and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024!” said Antoine Arnault – LVMH head of Image & Environment.
 
The first torch trunk will be revealed to the public on May 8, when the torch begins its journey from Marseille on the Mediterranean coast before reaching Paris in northern France 776 kilometers away on July 14.
 
While the Paralympic torch will leave Stoke Mandeville – the location of the first competition for athletes in wheelchairs in 1948. All told, some 11,000 torchbearers will carry two torches.  
 
The substantial Medals Trunks are covered in classic  Monogram canvas, and feature brass corners and closures like those used on Louis Vuitton trunks since the 1850s. Inspired by the Maison’s celebrated Malle Coiffeuse, the Medals Trunks have a central section and two hinged “wings” that open to reveal drawers specially designed to hold 468 medals. The trunk’s interior is entirely lined with black matt leather – which is also used for the drawers’ handles – and features subtle embossed logos and serigraphy of both logos Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
 
“We are honored and extremely proud to be part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 with the mission of packing and presenting the defining symbols of Paris 2024: the victors’ medals and the torches of the Olympic flame… Louis Vuitton and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 share common values such as the quest for excellence, creativity, and the beauty technique. Once again, victory travels in Louis Vuitton,” said Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO Louis Vuitton.
 
Besides Chaumet, LVMH-owned Berluti will attire the two entire French Olympic team at the opening ceremonies on July 26 and August 28.
 
Vuitton has enjoyed a long link with top-level international sporting competitions, creating the trunks for such prestige competitions as the America’s Cup, the Australian Open, Ballon d’Or, Davis Cup, FIFA World Cup, Grand Prix de Monaco, NBA Championship, Roland Garros, and the Rugby World Cup.